Straight Talk on Acne, From a Dermatologist
Acne can have really negative effects upon a person’s mood and self-confidence. The good news is that Dermatologists now have a growing number of promising, new options to help people deal with acne and complexion issues, whether they have dry skin, combination skin, or oily skin. Let me share some straight talk about acne, from my perspective as a Dermatologist in practice for the last 29 years.
Traditional therapies for acne include a combination of oral antibiotics such as doxycycline and minocycline, with prescription topical (meaning “on top of the skin”) agents, like Tretinoin Cream, or benzoyl peroxide like Duac®, Epiduo®, and Onexton® Gels; topical azelaic acid products like Finacea® Gel or Azelex®, and topical dapsone products like Aczone® Gel.
Sometimes Dermatologists consider a five months’ course of an oral medication called isotretinoin, or Accutane, which works on acne by drying up the oil glands. It’s highly effective, but requires strict avoidance of pregnancy while on the five months treatment, and monthly bloodwork.
In 2020, Dermatologists have a new oral antibiotic which seems to have a quicker onset of action – Sarecycline – and a new retinoid gel – Epiduo Forte® – and a new vitamin A lotion – Altreno®.
After 25 years of practicing dermatology, in 2016 I decided to establish a skincare products company - Big River Silk Skincare™ Inc. – to manufacture and distribute organic skincare products for people going onto prescription therapies. I incorporated cleansers and moisturizers that the Woodbury family of four Dermatologists has used for years for Tennessee and Arkansas Dermatology patientsAmberSoy™ Soap Gel and GlycoShea™ Facial&Neck Cream are two such products.
AmberSoy Soap Gel is a great cleanser option for people with oily or combination skin. It can be used as a type of face mask, wherein it’s applied to the skin, then left on for 5-10 minutes. Available in 1 oz ($12.95), 2 oz ($18.95), and 8 oz ($59.95), it comes in Mint, Lemon, and No Fragrance Added, with no dyes, formaldehyde, nor propylene glycol.
GlycoShea Facial&Neck Cream is a helpful moisturizer product because it acts as a face scrub, helping with skin’s exfoliation. It comes in 1 ounce ($39.95), 2 ounce ($59.95), and 8 ounce ($179.95). GlycoShea’s bonus is that it works on both complexion issues and in prevention of wrinkles – because of its Glycolic Acid – an Alpha-hydroxy Acid.
All of our products are available for purchase at our company headquarters, at 8143 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova TN 38018, Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. They can also be ordered at www.Bigriversilkskincare.com (shipping: $5.00 for orders under $40.00). 1-901-753-0168.
So if you or a family member has complexion issues, consider first getting a checkup with a dermatologist. My own Dermatology practice is in Cordova, TN (www.Rheumderm.com or www.Bigriversilkskincare.com) (1-901-753-0168). Or you can find a Dermatologist in your own neighborhood by going to the American Academy of Dermatology web site, AAD.org. Just plug your zip code into the “Find a Dermatologist” tab.
George Woodbury Jr. M.D. (07/20/2020)